Nestlé Nigeria kicks-off “Live Strong With Iron’’ campaign
Nestlé, one of the largest companies in Nigeria’s Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Industry, has launched its campaign tagged: “Live Strong With Iron”, in conjunction with some government parastatals, including other sister agencies in the health sector to combat the menace of Iron Deficiency in the country.
During the launch, stakeholders pledged their support and commitment to working together to create awareness of, and to promote consumption of locally available iron-rich and iron-fortified foods in Nigeria.
Commenting on the essence of launching the initiative, Wassim Elhusseini, the MD/CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, said: “The campaign aims to support governments’ efforts to address Iron Deficiency in view of the high incidence in our environment.
“It is important to note that Nestlé has sustained food fortification as a strategy to curb micronutrient deficiency in the sub-region. Another Strategy that Nestlé adopts to enable people live healthier is by providing adequate information for more informed nutrition choices. We are therefore excited to work alongside all the stakeholders convened here today, to call attention to the rich resource of iron dense locally available foods that each family can access to improve the current statistics on Iron Deficiency.”
Also lending her voice to the worthy cause, the Honorable Minister of Women Affairs represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Anthonia A. Ekpa, PhD, said: “Globally, children and women are more at risk of iron deficiency and anemia. Consumption of iron-rich foods, which are locally available and affordable, remains an effective means of addressing this challenge. The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs will support this public health awareness campaign, as it has valuable content that will positively impact on the health of a huge percentage of Nigerians. We are committed to collaborating with stakeholders for the overall development of women and children in Nigeria.”
The Live Strong with Iron campaign is celebrated on April 7 every year, with support and efforts to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good health and wellbeing), looking towards improving the health of millions of Nigerians. Through the campaign, the collaborators will support community advocacy programs, broadcast and social media campaigns, to drive change in nutrition behaviour, choice and consumption in order to meet daily iron requirements.
The public launch of the Live Strong With Iron campaign was attended by Government officials, Health experts, Nutritionists, professional organizations and media who came together to align on the roles each party would play in the efforts to curb iron deficiency. A key commitment by all stakeholders and participants at the event was to not only consume, but also to promote consumption of locally available iron-rich and iron-fortified foods in Nigeria.
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